Blueberry Barrens, Deblois, Maine

It's time for me to start a new novel, and often, setting comes first for me. So I've been thinking a lot about place and I think I may have found my setting for this book.

I always put little touches of truth in my novels. It grounds the story for me--and thus, for the reader. One way I do that is with names. When I'm in the setting for a book I'm writing, I'm always looking at road signs, mailboxes, cemeteries, honor plaques, businesses, etc.

I wouldn't ever use anyone's complete name, but I do mix and match sometimes: a last name from here, a first name from there.

Now that I have a setting, I need a main character. I have some traits in mind, but I need a first name to get started writing. So yesterday morning, I typed into Google the names of the local schools in my setting + "honor roll," and looked through the list of real names chosen by real parents in this real place.

I chose a first name off one of those lists, and imagined her in that place, walking down those roads, knowing all the important kid things, like where you can buy Popsicles on a hot day, the secret short cuts to and from school, and who is friendly in town and who you don't want to mess with. And if I were to stop her and ask directions, she would know.

The name I chose could exist anywhere, but *I* know there's a real girl--a smart girl who does well in school--familiar with this real place, and there's something intangible but powerful about knowing that and it will help me make my made-up girl feel real, too.